Another technique that is used to generate ideas is mind mapping.
A mind map is a sketch or drawing that allows you to identify all
the factors that need to be taken into account when developing a
solution to a design brief. The name of the product or service appears
at the center of the mind map and each of the solutions and other
factors are placed around it. The map can then be progressively
expanded as more detail is added.

Here's a simple example
of a mind map created to examine the different ways of transporting
materials across a swamp:

There are a number of advantages of using a mind map to generate
ideas and to understand the relationship between them. These include:

The design brief (or design problem) appears in the centre of
the map and it's thus very easy to see how all of the potential
solutions and any other factors relate to it

The links that exist between solutions and other factors can
be immediately recognised

The map can be easily grasped without having to read a lot of
words

It's easy to extend a map or add more information to it

A mind map can help to stimulate thought and aid understanding

It's often easier and faster to create a mind map than spend
a lot of time putting your ideas in writing!

How to create a mind map:

You will need a large sheet of paper (ideally A3 or larger) and
some coloured felt-tip pens or markers

Start by writing down a short phrase that describes the design
brief or states the design problem. This should be placed in a oval
shape in the centre of the sheet

Add thick lines radiating from the oval (as many as are necessary)
corresponding to

each main solution

Print the name of the solution above the line

Keep on extending the map (moving outwards from the centre) in
order to show all

the detail

In order to make your mind map more useful you can:

Use different colours to distinguish the lines leading to each
main solution and each sub-factor

Use pictures, arrows and notes to provide more information

Make the map look clear and attractive. That way, people will
remember it!

Finally, here's an example of a mind
mind that incoporates pictures to make it look more attractive and
to convey additional information to the reader. Can you say what
the creator of the map had in mind when he or she made the map?